Player piano



Aug. 28, '1928.

E. c. WHITE PLAYER PIANO 4 Sheets-Sheet ed March 24, 1921 '9- INVENTORATTORNEY Aug. 28, 1928.

4 snets-sheet.

a a n n n n n n INVENTOR v ATTORNEY I F. c. WHITE Aug. 28, 1925.

PLAYER PIANO Filed March 24. 1921 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR 556m TORNEYF. C. WHITE PLAYER PIANO Aug. 28, 1928.

Filed March 24. 1921 4 Sheets-Sheet INVENTOR /6 m ATTORNEY Patented Aug.28, 1928.

( iiNiTE-D sures 1,682,651 1 ATETN or Pica.

.EMNK 0.: WHITE, MERIDEN, ioon'nnc rrcnn'nssrenort, BY 'MEsiaEASSIGNMENTS, TO -SIMPLEX rLAYER ACTION COMPANY, InooEPoEArEnioE'NEW'YQR'K, n. 'Y., 'A

CORPORATION OF NEW YORK.

PLAYER PIANO.

Application "filed March 24, 1921 serial No. 455,345.

L This invention relates to player' pianos and more particularly to suchinstruments of thegrand piano'type.

It is a primary. object of the invention toprovide an improved grandplayerpi'ano having a Simpleyfliciefit a'n'd du'rable structuralcombination of pneumatically actuated and controlledmechfanism's.

It isa further object to provide an improved player pianoof thecharacter 'mentioned, wherein the pneumatically actuated and controlledmechanisms are cooperatively associated in an assembled unit having asimple and permanently. eflici'ent connection with the pneumatic powersource. 5

It is a further object to provide anim- 'pro'vedgrand player "pianowherein the said spool drawer carries in relatively fixed're-,"la'tionship the "series of striker pneumatics and wherein practical,improved operative connection is cooperatively disposed between the saidstrikerv pneumatics and the piano keys, permitting uniform play of "thein strument in any relative adjustment of "the spool drawer with respecttotlie key bed. It is, moreover, a general object of the invention' toprovide an improvedgrand' player piano wherein the pneumaticallyactuated and controlled mechanisms possess features "of structuralsuperiority and functional "advantage.

Qthe'r objects and advantages will be in fpartnoted hereinafter inconnection with the .follow'i'ng description of the accompanyingdrawings, which illustrate an exemplary em- "bodiinent'ofthe inventionand wherein Figure. l representsa side View of "the 'irnproved grandplayer piano with certain parts broken awayto show thedisposition of'the'spool and, drawer and mechanisms associated in relatively fixedrelationship therewith the drawer being shown as pushed in) F igure? isa sectional view in the di-' rection of the arrows on line 22, Fig. 1with, also, certain parts broken away for "better disclosure oftheconnection's between Tthe striker pneumatics and the piano partsactuated thereby; p

.Figure 3 is'a top view'of the spool drawer "control instrument showninFigure 1, 'with'thes'poo'l drawer "and flSSOCl'LtGCl mechanisms drawnoutwardly, that is, as occupied duringim "sertion or removal of themusic rolls and,

if desired, during manual expression control, as distinguished fromautomatic GXPI'GSSIOH "Figures '5 and 6 are fragmentary detailed betweena pneumatic action and part o'f the piano j action 'cooperabletherewitln F gure 7 is'a fragmentary s de view'ofan improved connectionbetween thepn'eumatic power. source an'dthe player 'actionpa-rts; V

and a TFigure 8 is a vertical "sectional view of 7, showingfthe*teles'co'pic joint of this connection.

,Figure 9 is a pla'nviewof what I term striker pneumatics of thepneumatic action in 'iiXed relationship to the main body of thepiano andtherefore in relatively *movable relationshipfto the spool drawer. In

such cases the action pneuma'tics and expression control mechanisms havebeen 'operaviews, on anenlarged scale,'of acon'ne'ction tively connectedwithi the tracker bar apertures and manual control devices, also on thespool drawer, by a largenu'mberof' small flexible rubber tubes disposedin different arrangements but of a length to-"ex'tendfrom theirconnections; on parts carried by "the spool drawer, toother 'connectionson parts carried by the piano body when the-spool With drawer is movedto"i'ts front limit. such constructions said small flexible rubbertubes, which have been of great number as from 80 to I20, -havebeensubject' to'crackigng V and splitting and other objections in service."As above mentioned, it is one maiivobject As shown in Figure 1, themain case' of the piano has a key bed 1 at the remand,

'abovewhich are arranged the usual piano keys 2, "connected for manualactuatiom in of the present invention largely to eliminate I said smallflexible tubes hereto-fore employed, and provide an instrument capableof more jpermanentand satisfactory use.

any one of a variety of well understood ways, to the hammer action partsof the piano. Below the key bed there is provided by thepresent-invention a drawer'3, slidably supported on guides 4; (Fig. 2)and capable of inward positioning (Fig. 1) such as occupied by the partsduring manual play of the piano or, if preferred, during whollyautomatic operation, and forward positioning (Fig. 4 to permit new musicrolls to be inserted, and also to give access to the manual expressioncontrols whenever the player wishes to control the expression by hand.

At the rear of the drawer 3 the bank of striker pneumatics 7 aredirectly aifixed,,and,

also ,to the drawer, are aliixed the expression mechanisms 8 in such amanner that the drawer with the pneumatic action and ex press ionmechanisms constitutes a distinct separable player unit.

Itwillbe understood that the drawer 8 also contains the air motor fordriving the music sheet, the automatic reroll and repeat neumatics, themanually controlled expression buttons, the automatic music rolltracking device and other necessary or desirable pneumaticallycontrolled mechanisms, The note openings in the tracker bar areconnected by ducts 9, which may be of rubber tubing or of metal, withthe respective valve chests for the striker pneumaticsf and theexpression openings in the tracker bar are similarly connected. byrubber-or metal ducts 10 with chambersof theexpression mechanisms 8. Allof the pneumatically controlled mechanisms associated with the drawer 3,as mentioned above, are connected preferably by a single conduit 11 incommunication. with the main exhaust bellows 12 secured at the rearbottom of the piano and preferably driven by an electric motor 13. Theconduit 11, (see Fig. 3) as shown, connects with branches 14 and 15 atthe rear of the drawer I to. get of order or deteriorate. While, as

which exhaust from the expression chambers 8 and are further connectedto exhaust from the action chestand other parts in a well known manner.

. Conduit 11 is further provided with a tele scoping section 16,preferably concealed above the lower edge of the piano case andextensible with the spool draweras the latter is drawnforwardly, Thusthe major, and if desired the whole, connection from the primary exhaustsource12 comprises a single conduit which, being of a relatively largesize and substantial character, .is not likely shown, this conduit is ofmetal and thus par- .sitionvtubing may be employed results.-

a It will ticularly durable, it will be understood that,

because of its size, flexible rubber or compowith good thus beseen thatby the present improvement, the parts of the pneumatic systern of theinstrument, which are controlled by instrumentalities on or associatedwith the slidable drawer, are also mainly or wholly rigidly ailixed tosaid drawer so that the connection between the controlling devices andthe controlled devices is made by ducts not subject to extension,folding or other service movement, and that all of the controlled andcontrolling partsso associated with the adjustable drawer, may beconnected to'the main exhaust source by only one conduit. In order topermit mechanical playing of; the piano, in difi'erent positions of thedrawer and connected parts there is further provided, below the key bedand preferably carried thereby as shown, a series ofrelativelyv longrockers, which I will'term couplers, or couplervwires, 17. Thesecouplers are supported in racks 18 and 19. .A single couple wire 17appears as provided with an olfset crank portion 20. WVhen in place thiscrank portion hangs down obliquely from its. pivot ends 21 (see Fig. 5).v Arranged to bear against the upper surface of the crank portions vries of'coupler wires is arranged a series of striking spindles 25, eachof which is connected at its lower end with a 'strikerpneumatic 7 and isprovided at its upperend with a felt covering 26, which is positioned tosilently contact with the under surface of the crank portion 20 of itsrespective coupler wire; As shown in Figure 5, the crank portion of eachcoupler wire, whenits pneumatic 7 is extended, hangs downwardly at anangle and rests between the buttons 26 and 23 of its pair of strikingspindles 25 and 22, respectively. hen an action pneumatic 7 iscollapsedthe crank portion 20 of its coupler is forced upwardly so as totransmit awstriking blow to its spindle 22 (see Fig. 2), thence to thepiano key 2, and thence to the hammer to eifect the sound. The longcrank portions 20 of the coupler wires are disposedhorizontally and in'the line of fore and-aft movement of the drawer 3, so that whether thelatter is drawn out to the posiion of Figure4; or moved forwardly tocon-. ceaied position, as shown in Figure 1, each action (or striker)pneumatic 7 is at all times operatively connected with its corre- Hspending piano action.

I Consequently the instrument may be pneumatically operated when thedrawer is in either extreme position, as well as in all intermediatepositions.

The telescopic oint 16 in the main conin the detail view, Fig. 9, and isshown .3

duit 11 is preferably constructed as shown in Figures 7 and 8 and asthere illustrated, the conduit 11 of metal has a straight hori- Zontallyand rearwardly extending portion 27 fitting through a short'metalsection 28. The section in turn, is glued or otherwise securely fastenedat one end within a rubber pipe 29 of larger diameter and at the other.end within a leather collar 30, also. glued scopic joint thus describedhas been found of the outer tubing 29, so that the assembly ciated partsare all mounted horizontally movable drawer. It .will be permanentlyserviceable and air-tight; It'

is also economically manufactured and particularly ethcient in serviceon account of its limited flexibility, due to the flexibilityconstitutes atelescopic joint, and, to a limited but sullicient extend auniversal uncludmg a drawer supported by the p ano case and horizontallymovable beneath the joint.

conveniently operate through push rods 34' and 35 connected by rockerarms 36. The

*lower portion of the lyre may be in turn braced by an obliquelydisposed rod 37.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated and hei'einabove described, thepneumatic expression control mechanisms, as well as the action chest,striker pneumatics and assoin' or on the understood, however, that themounting" of either of these parts on the drawer is contemplated, andgains to that extent the ad Vantages resident in the improvement Bymounting the pneumatic action devices on the drawer, the major number offlexible and extensible tubes, as heretofore employed, 1S -eliminated.By adding also the pneu "matic expression mechanisms to the drawer,

largely ifnot entirely eliminates the remainderof such small tubes, sothat all use of small diameter rubber tubing in long lengths, and subect to' folding or otheservice displacement occasio-ning' wear andleakage, is avoided. At the same time, also, by the improved assembly ofcooperating parts as disclosed,1the complete pneumatic system of the,piano may be manufactured andtested satisfactorily prior to its actualinstallation in the piano. Also, of course, a removel of the pneumaticsystem can be expeditiously effected at any time for inspection orrepair. A further advantage,

The lyre of the instrument preferably comprises a pair of castings 32,right-angled 1 in shape andsecured at their upper and rear of especialcommerical importance, is the capability of the improved constructionfor other than that specifically illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings, all embraced within the broad aspects of the invention andintended scope of the following claims, and I therefore do not wish tobe limited in any respect in so far as concerns the use of anyparticular expression mechanism,

pneumatic actionmechanism or music spool mechanism that may drawer,

be installed in said Having describedv my invention, what I claim is newand desire to secureby Letters Patent is: I

1. In a grand player piano, in combination, a manual piano action, and apneumatic player system co-operating therewith and key bed and carryingin relativelyfixed relationship therewith a trackerbarand strikerneumatics. with means of connection be; tween said pneumatics and saidpiano -action effective for playing in different positions of saiddrawer. 1

2. In a grand player piano, in combination,

a drawer supported by thepianocase and horizontally movable belowthe'key bed and carrying in relatively fixed relationship a tracker bar,pneumatic action mechanism, with piano actions, and mechanical couplingmeans between said mechanism and actions whereby the same are maintainedin opera tive playing relationship in different positions of saiddrawer.

111 it P'I'Zll'lCl. la GI 121110 In combination, V o 7 a drawersupported by the, piano case and horizontally slidable below'tlie keybed and havingaflixed thereto andmovable bodily therewith, a'tracker barand a pneumatic action, comprising striker pneu'matics, wind chest andtracker controlled valves between said wind'chest and strikerpneumatics, all of said parts being operable in different positions ofsaid drawer.

, 4. In a grand piano, the combination. with "the piano having manuallyoperable .keys

and actions to cooperate therewith, of a drawer supported by andslidable horizontally below the key bed and carrying in relatively fixedrelationship thereto a-tracker bar, action pneumatics and expressioncontrolling mechanisms, with mechanical means for transmitting movementfrom the action pncumatics to the sounding devices of said piano, indifferent positions of said drawer.

5. In a grand piano, in combination, manspool drawer adjustablysupported by the piano below said keys and horizontally IIIOV-r able out.and in to expose or conceal the inn- :uallyoperable piano actionsincluding keys,

a pneumatic player mechanism including a sic spools, striker pneumaticssupported by andmovable with said drawer, and mechanical means fortransmitting movement from said pneumatics to'com'plementary parts of,the piano-action in either the out or in position of said drawer.

6. In a grand piano, in combination, a manually operable actionincluding keys, a pneumatic action including a spool drawer adjustablysupported by said piano and be-, low said keys and horizontally movableto; expose or conceal the music spools, pianoactionactuating pneumaticssupported by and movable with said drawer, and connec-.

7. In a grand piano, in combination, a

manually operable action including keys, a pneumatic action including aspool drawer adjustably supported by the piano and be-.

low said keys and movable horizontally to expose or conceal the musicspools, actuating pneumatics supported by and movable with said drawer,and connections including an element on the drawer and a eo-actingelement in the piano case, said elements being relatively movable, and acoupler for transmitting. movement from said Pneumatics to parts of.the! manual action in both extreme adjustments ofsaid drawer through themepianoin various pos tions of said drawer.

dium of said co-acting elements.

8. In a grand piano, in combination, a

manually operable act-ion including keys, a' pneumatic action includinga spool drawer; adj us'tably supported by the piano'below said keys andhorizontally movable. to expose or "spindles and an elongated crankmember to conceal the music spools, actuating pneu maticssupported byand movablewith said drawer, and connections including an ele-* menton-the drawer and a co-acting element in the piano case, said elementsbeing relatively movable, and, a mechanical coupler fortransmittingmovement from said pneuinatics to parts of the manual action in anyadjusted position of said drawer through the medium of said coaotingelements. 7

9. In a grand playerfpiano, the combinaltion with the piano, of a drawerslidably supported below the key bed, a horizontal guideway onsaid'piano for said drawer, a

unitary assembly of the, controlled and controlling mechanisms of apneumatic player system within said drawer and movable bodily therewith,and operable to play said piano in'flvarious positions of adjustmentofsaid drawer. v g

10. In a grand piano, the combination with the piano case, of a drawersupported by said piano below the key bedand horithe latter to the powersource, and means for mechanically transmitting force from saidpneumatic to the piano actions in various positions of said drawer."

12. Ina grand piano, the combination of a drawer slidably supported bysaid piano below the key bed and a lyre including angle bracketsconnected withthe key bed in-the rear of said drawer and supportingdamper operating pedals forwardly beneath said drawer. e

13 .In-combination, a unitary drawer includinga tracker-bar, actionpneumatics and connecting ducts mounted in relatively fixedrelationship, and means for slidably supporting said drawer on theunderside of the keyvbed of a piano for independent horizontal movementto and -fro, and means for mechanically transmitting movement from saidaction pneumatics tothe actions of said 14'. In a grand piano, incombination, a manual action, a pneumatic action slidably supported bythe piano case for horizontal movement, and an operative connectionbetween .parts thereof, including a pair of receive motion from one andtransmit motion to the other of said spindles in different positions ofcontact of said spindles with said crank. I

-15. In a piano, pneumatically actuated playing devices; allthecomponent parts of which mechanism apart from thewind pro- FRANK 0.WHITE.

